Description

Introducing a delightful twist on classic mashed potatoes: Garlic Chive Mashed Potato Puffins! Perfect for any meal, these savory puffins boast a creamy texture with a burst of fresh flavor from chives. Easy to make and ideal for serving a crowd, these puffins are destined to become a household favorite.

Ingredients

3 cups firm mashed potatoes, cold
1 (5.4 oz) garlic and herb soft cheese (such as Alouette or Boursin)
1 ½ cups shredded sharp white cheddar cheese, divided
3 large eggs, beaten
2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
2 Tbsp chopped chives, divided
1 tsp garlic salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 (8 oz) container sour cream or creme fraiche

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, garlic and herb cheese, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, beaten eggs, Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon of chopped chives, garlic salt, and black pepper. Mix well, ensuring the garlic and herb cheese is evenly distributed.
Liberally brush the cups of a 12-cup standard muffin tin with cooking spray or melted butter. Use a 4 oz ice cream scoop to evenly divide the mixture among the muffin cups.
Sprinkle the tops with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 23-25 minutes, or until the puffins are set and the tops are golden brown.
Run a knife around the edges of each puffin to loosen them from the muffin tin.
Serve immediately, with or without a dollop of sour cream, and garnish with the remaining chopped chives.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 12
Calories: Approximately 200 kcal per serving

Notes

After preparing these delectable Garlic Chive Mashed Potato Puffins, here are some handy tips for serving and storing them:

Serving Suggestions:

Garnish Galore: Before serving, garnish your Garlic Chive Mashed Potato Puffins with additional chopped chives for a pop of color and added freshness.
Sour Cream Swirl: Serve each puffin with a dollop of sour cream or creme fraiche on the side for a cool and creamy contrast to the warm and savory flavors of the dish.
Accompaniments: Pair your puffins with a variety of main dishes, such as roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked salmon, for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Storage Guidelines:

Refrigeration: If you have leftover Garlic Chive Mashed Potato Puffins, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place the puffins on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Freezing: While these puffins can be frozen, their texture may change slightly upon thawing. If you plan to freeze them, wrap each puffin individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 1-2 months. To reheat, thaw the puffins overnight in the refrigerator and warm them in the oven as directed above.
Batch Cooking: Consider making a double batch of Garlic Chive Mashed Potato Puffins and freezing the extras for future meals. This way, you’ll have a convenient and delicious side dish on hand whenever you need it.

Customization Options:

Cheese Choices: Experiment with different types of cheese in your puffins, such as Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or smoked gouda, to add unique flavor profiles and textures to the dish.
Herb Varieties: Feel free to swap out the chives for other fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or thyme, depending on your personal preferences and what’s available in your kitchen.
Additional Mix-Ins: Get creative and add extra mix-ins to your puffins, such as crumbled bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or diced ham, for added flavor and texture.